Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 9) — Japanese shipping companies on Thursday told President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. they hope for a “steady supply” of seafarers from the Philippines, while also expecting continuous quality improvement of the workers.
\”The Filipino seafarers play a big role. So having all said, Filipino seafarers are essential to Japanese shipping industry,\” said Junichiro Ikeda, Japanese Shipowners Association (JSA) president and Mitsui OSK Lines chairman, during the meeting.
“And so we sincerely and strongly hope that there will continue to be a steady supply of professional and well-trained Filipino seafarers to work alongside us,” he added.
Marcos vowed the government will continue to work closely with them in ensuring to meet workforce requirements because \”you care for them very much and they are in good hands while under your employment.\”
\”We welcome and look forward to these training investments from the JSA,\” Marcos said, hoping other international shipping associations will emulate JSA’s example in hiring Filipino seafarers, as well as the continuing education and training given to them.
As part of the government’s measures, the chief executive said the Department of Migrant Workers will establish a Japan Desk at the Office of the Secretary for faster communication between Japanese shipowners and land-based employers with the administration.
